LIVERPOOL'S Anglican cathedral is staging a memorial service in November for the children whose body parts were stripped in the Alder Hey organ retention scandal.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn up for the ceremony, which is being held at the request of the parents' support group, Pity II.

The cathedral has a seating capacity of 800 people and church leaders are already in discussions about what to do if there is a high demand for tickets.

Canon Mark Boyling said ideas being mooted included broadcasting the service to an open-air congregation. They are also considering linking up with the Catholic cathedral and beaming the service between the two buildings.

He said: "We don't have any clear ideas at the moment because we do not know just how many people will turn up, although we are expecting a high number.

"What is important is that this is an ecumenical service and is open to everyone, regardless of faith. We know from talking to the parents that this service is something they feel very strongly about.

"Although the parents have already had their own private services and grieved independently, this is a chance for everyone to come together and reflect on what has happened and the lessons to be learned."

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, the Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Rev Patrick Kelly, and Moderator Graham Cook will be taking part in the ceremony.

Ed Bradley, who is a member of the Pity II committee setting up the memorial service, said: "We have 500 parents and if all of them want two tickets or more then we are looking at a minimum of 1,000 people."